Tessa Johnson stats tonight - How did the South Carolina star fare vs UCLA? (Nov 24)
Tessa Johnson was one of two players who shone in South Carolina's loss to UCLA on Sunday at the Pauley Pavilion.
The sophomore guard played off the bench and registered 14 points, three rebounds and one assist in 24 minutes of action. The 6-foot Albertville, Minnesota native made 5-of-9 shots, including 2-of-3 in the 3-point area and 2-of-4 from the free-throw line.
Johnson tallied seven points in the opening period, including the Gamecocks' first two points, snapping their five-minute scoreless spell. She picked up five more points on a jumper and a 3-pointer, reducing UCLA's deficit to 18-10.
The guard added five points to her total in the second frame, scoring on a jumper and a 3-pointer that helped South Carolina reduce the deficit to 26-17 with 6:45 left in the second period. Johnson also grabbed three rebounds to score 12 points and three boards, but that didn't aid the Gamecocks' cause, as they fell further behind, 43-22.
Johnson scored a point in the third quarter on a free throw and posted an assist, passing to freshman Joyce Edwards, who delivered a jumper that cut the deficit to 51-34.
She would split her two foul shots in the payoff period to finish with 14 points. Here are Tessa Johnson's final stats in the loss against UCLA.
Tessa Johnson nets second double-figure game of the 2024-25 college basketball season
Tessa Johnson's 14-point game against UCLA was her second double-figure game of the 2024-25 college basketball season. She had a good start to the campaign, tallying 15 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 25 minutes of action, helping South Carolina pick up a close 68-62 win over Michigan.
The 6-foot sophomore failed to score a point in the Gamecocks' 71-57 victory over NC State. The guard didn't suit up for the next two games and returned on Wednesday against Clemson, where she finished with eight points one rebound, one steal and two blocks.
In four games this season, Tessa Johnson has tallied 9.3 points and 1.5 rebounds, shooting 50% from the field, including 58% from 3-pointers. She's the team's fourth leading scorer, behind MiLaysia Fulwiley's 10.7 ppg.
Johnson will have an opportunity to boost her averages on Thursday when South Carolina faces Iowa State on the first day of the Fort Myers Tip-off at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Two days later, the Gamecocks lock horns with Purdue on the second day of the mini-tournament.
What do you think of Tessa Johnson's performance against UCLA? Let's know your views in the comments section: